After Burn (Lost Kings MC #10)
The lure of the open road never fades.
Bumpy, cracked, and full of obstacles.
In the end, it’s the cure for life's complications.
My brothers behind me and our future in front of us.
Loyalty above all else.
A vow made to my brothers.’
’Til death do us part.
A vow made to my wife.
Together we'll race the rain, chase the sun, and ride the wind.
Leave no road untaken.
An unexpected truth no one ever saw coming.
Are we strong enough to survive it, or will it incinerate everything we’ve built?
Reviews (188)
The President and First lady of the Lost Kings MC have returned....
After Burn (Pt1 of 2) and book #10 in this fabulous MC series, somewhat comes full circle and takes the reader back to the couple who started it all in Slow Burn which seems soooo long ago now! Rock is still the President of the Lost Kings MC and Hope, the first lady, is starting to finally fit in with the biker lifestyle. As with most of AJL's books, she definitely doesn't short-change her readers and hasn't skimped on the details so much so this is a two book catch up. Although I absolutely love this series, it is on the light side with no violence or major action, it's more just a general run down of day to day life. Saying that, we do see the club head to Florida for the annual get together with all the other Lost Kings chapters and then on to a biker rally where we see a little action when Rock plays caveman and knocks another club's member on their ass for talking to Hope. Things got a little tense for a minute there, but unfortunately nothing eventuates. This would have been a good opportunity for some much needed drama... the other club could have come after the Kings for revenge or something? We also get closer to the mystery of Grace and Chance... the two mystery kids mentioned way back in the series (book 4 or 5 I think?) Although we have to wait until the next book for the mystery to be revealed, I'm 99% sure I know who they belong to now? Inga, Rock's first wife, pops back into the picture with some interesting news... it was like a scene from the Maurie Povich show... "are you the father, or is it you, or maybe it's such and such" lol what a whore! I'm pretty sure the answer is going to cause some major waves and I can't friggin wait! I thought we might get some new members to the club since Rock was given a bit of a talking to about growing the gang, but alas it wasn't to be. Sadly, Hope really got on my nerves and I didn't realise how much until now. Her self- doubt, whiny attitude and body image issues got downright annoying... ffs, your married to a god of a man who constantly idolises your body and the ground you walk on! Surely she can't be that needy of attention? Considering she's a lawyer I would think she would have bigger balls and confidence? Rock and Hope have always been my favorite couple but unfortunately and this pains me to say, but this book kinda lowered my expectations of them, especially the scene in the "playroom". That was a little cringy... please don't do that again! I love this author and think she is totally brilliant but I don't know if this book had that special something that is usually a given in this series. Moving forward, it would be nice to see a little more drama. Perhaps some new members and Hope starts to be the woman she is in her professional life move into her MC life... maybe she could even kick someone's butt, Inga, Rock...? Generally I have always loved this series and given 5 stars but I'm not fully feeling this one and also the editing was a little lapse with quite a few typos. I would still willingly recommend this series to anyone who likes sexy but respectful alphas, MC and a different to norm storyline. Im impatiently now waiting for the next installment to find out who the baby daddy is. I think we are in for a shocker somehow?
This series never gets old!
I just love and adore this series. These characters feel like my friends and family because Autumn has allowed us to be a part of the journey of her characters. As they grow and change through the years we get to a part of it and as a reader, I feel more connected to this series than any other. Most romance books never go beyond the traditional HEA ending. It's all about meeting that one and what it takes to be together, but I often find life more fascinating in the after. People don't stop changing or evolving just because they found their person. Life is not less troublesome just because you found love and I applaud the author for taking the risk and exploring all facets of a relationship. I loved getting more of Rock and Hope and to get to see how much they have changed since the very beginning. Hope was so very insecure and unsure of herself in the very beginning, but now she is truly a queen. Not perfect (but who is) she is someone that loves her LOKI family and no one better get in the way. She is fiercely protective and loyal to her husband and will do anything to protect him and their relationship. In this book, you really understand why this club loves her and will do anything to protect their first lady. Rock is really everything in this book. He can make any women swoon. His love and devotion to not only Hope but to his LOKI family are awe-inspiring. He has built something real and special with his club and all members take their directive from him and as he changes and grows so does the rest of the LOKI members. Autumn sure gives you a great ride in this book. Most of it is quiet and unassuming. Which is perfect for everything these two, plus the club have gone through. You get to see them just be a family and get to really see how they interact within the motorcycle world and it was fun to see. Plus I just loved all the family dinner scenes. Made my heart all happy and giddy. As much as it is unassuming there are some big surprises in this book and ones that will forever change Rock, Hope, and the entire LOKI family. It is a great reminder that their world is real and raw and sometimes past actions will come back to haunt you. **********Author provided a review copy******** (less)
A Joyous & Suspense Filled Return to the King & Queen!
"After Burn" is Autumn Jones Lake's 13th installment and 10th full-length novel of her Lost Kings MC series. It is also the 4th full book devoted to my favorite, Lost Kings (LOKI) couple, Rock and Hope. Who, in this edition, find themselves on yet another series of crazy adventures of both the MC and personal variety. Broken into two parts, this new visit to Rock and Hope is both giggle inducing and "holy crap!" level gasp producing! It showcases both Hope's growing entrenchment with the club, as well as, Rock and Hope's still growing love and need for each other two years into their marriage. And it is truly beautiful... You would think after thirteen books things would be getting stale, or that I would be getting bored (as is often the case with long, multi-book series), but I am honestly more invested than ever! I love the easy banter, sarcasm, and quick humor Lake displays here between Rock and Hope. She shows their growth, the trust and security they have with each other and the club. Displaying a level of care and loyalty of a couple married for fifty years instead of just two! And like a literary super wizard, Lake's continued linear layering of emotionally rich and intelligent storylines, filled with complex, yet relatable characters, all laid upon a bravely honest, reality based, vibrantly vivid literary landscape, explodes in your mind. It's as if you are physically present within the LOKI universe, existing as a shadow, witnessing the events unfold before you firsthand. Additionally, Lake's ability to keep each series addition fresh, interesting, emotionally brave, and honest shows just how much SHE loves these characters as well. Something that shows clearly on each page, with each heavenly word she writes. Something clearly evident in this book. Furthermore, as if Lake was inspired to see how many times she could make her readers gasp, she included something in "After Burn" that left me speechless! She truly stunned me with this installment as she goes in a direction I wasn't expecting after the events of "Strength from Loyalty". Which in turn has me wondering if this path was intentional from the start, or whether something pretty significant changed along the way within the realm of her own relationship to these characters? Either way I respect the path she takes Hope and Rock down. It's lovingly written, brave, realistically fear-filled and trepidatious, and "hitch-in-your-breath" level tumultuous. I love Hope, Rock, even more after finishing this one. It will move you unexpectedly and give you butterflies deep in your belly. You will both cheer with them, and be afraid for them as the events unfold. And privately you will silently pray for the happy ending Hope and Rock so richly deserve. Yes, it is similar to Teller and Charlotte's story in that it's spread out over two books, with this one concluding with a cliffhanger-ish type ending. But honestly, it isn't a true suspenseful end so the cliffhanger sycophants need to calm down because here it's appropriate and completely realistic with the overall story being told. Nor does it endanger the love between Hope and Rock. It ends as it should and makes you excited for what's to come in "After Glow".
My favorite MC series
The Lost Kings MC series is my favorite MC series, with each book I get more hooked, I love all of the LOKI brothers and their ladies. Each book flows nicely into the next one and they each focus on one main couple but don't worry you still get to hear a lot about the other characters in the series. After Burn focus on the President Rock and the First Lady Hope, so far they have to be my favorite couple. They have grown so much since the first book Slow Burn and overcome everything that gets thrown their way. Slow Burn starts off with the club heading out on a long road trip to a motorcycle rally. I really enjoyed seeing how Hope fell right into her spot as First Lady and interacts with not only the other ladies in their group but the old ladies of other clubs. She watches out for everyone. And all of the guys watch out for her and help take care of her. Rock and Hope get a huge surprise and finally get to learn a little bit more about the character Grace and how she fits into the club in future. I also really like how Hope knows Rock has a past and sometimes it rears it's ugly head and she takes in stride. She knows it is exactly that his past and she is future. They way he cares for and is so sweet and gentle melts my heart. Unfortunately someone from his past decides to pop back up cause some drama not just for Hope and Rock but several of the men from the club. Slow Burn ends with a cliffhanger that will have you wanting to jump right into the next book.
This series keeps getting better with every book. Amazing!
Whether it’s book 5 or book 10 of the Lost Kings it’s always so easy to get back into this series and these wonderful characters. One might think that 10 books of a series is enough but in this case it’s far from it. The author Autumn Jones Lake knows how to switch it up from book to book and there’s the core of characters to keep me enthralled and interested. Lost Kings keeps getting better with every book. The characters keep showing new sides and shedding layers of themselves for me to come back for more. After Burn is primarily about Rock and his ol’ lady and wife Hope but the other members of the MC play a role too. As they should cause it’s a brotherhood. They’re a family. Rock and Hope’s story has been told and explored in the first three book in the series and in White Heat. I can’t get enough of this power couple. They complement each other and are perfect as the MC’ s King and Queen. Their love and dedication to one another, the club and brothers never waver. I didn’t think it was possible to enjoy them more but I did. What they go through was something the author had teased in her previous books and I was giddy as hell. Rock and Hope lean on another and the brothers are there as well. With support and jokes as usual. I laughed my ass off numerous times when Z or Wrath bust Murphy and Teller’s asses. It was so good to be back with this gang. Like coming home. After Burn is book 10 and I’m beyond ready for book 11 - After Glow. With that ending I’m just as excited for more Rock, Hope and the gang. I need it! Autumn Jones Lake has created a series about a MC but it’s so much more. Lost Kings is all about family, love and brotherhood. I’ll never get enough of that and these people. I’m a LOKI fan forever. 5 Family Stars
Hope's an anchor
After Burn was amazing!! I was counting down the days until this hit my kindle and it did not disappoint! I've never read another author like Autumn who is so utterly astonishing with weaving characters and story lines so seamlessly book after book. She pulls you into each one and attaches it directly to your heart. As much as I love reading about each of the LOKI men in their own books, I love that Rock and Hope never fade away. They are the perfect yin and yang, matching each other perfectly. Their love never wavers or ends. I cannot friggin' wait for the ending to this duet and although I have my own theories, I can't wait to jump in and see where this crazy group takes us. Job well done, Autumn! Always go with your gut. I know I'm glad you did. ;) BTW... #dibsonmurphy
Team Rock and Hope, always & forever
I’m gonna talk a little about the Lost Kings MC first before I tell you about After Burn. This family of brothers AND ‘sisters’ are an inspiring and enriching group of people. They stand with each other no matter the consequences. They are an amazing brotherhood full of love and warmth and growth and friendship and family and a huge heart for one another. The word family seems inadequate as a description. They are so much more than that. They are soulmates. They are kismet. Their bond is untouchable and unwavering and although it is constantly tested, these guys AND ladies always pass the test with flying colors! A club with ups and downs, misfortunes and blessings, winding life paths they each take together for each other and for their club. After Burn is one of those winding paths. Well, it’s the beginning of one of those winding paths. There’s not much I can tell you plot-wise except you will have questions when you finish reading and I have no doubt they will be answered in After Glow, the second part of this journey. I say I have no doubt because Autumn Jones Lake is always thorough and never unwavering in her story-telling. Every detail necessary for a story to make sense is always presented to the reader. There's never a guessing game with her. And I admire the heck out of that. No stone is EVER left un-turned and yet she always keeps you on your toes. If it’s one thing I know about Autumn, is that she doesn't make it easy :) but in the end, everything is always worth the ride! #TRUST So, let’s chat about After Burn a bit. If you’re new to the Lost Kings, I strongly suggest you at least read Slow Burn before you read this book. THIS particular journey focuses a lot on Rock and Hope, President and First Lady of the MC. You should know how they met. Slow Burn will introduce you to not only Rock and Hope, but also help you understand the impact of things revealed. *sigh* I don’t know if that makes any sense, all I know is that the Lost Kings are about to have their strength and loyalty tested. I have no doubt they will come out on the other side of this circumstance stronger but it’s gonna be a ride for sure. I wouldn’t expect anything less from this author! One last thing …. I’ve always said this series is not one you can read without starting from the beginning. I say that because in almost every book, there are two journeys going on. The MC has a journey and whomever the leads are at the time have their own personal journey. However, technically, you can start with any one of the books and read the romance journey within that book with no issue. You will get an incredibly well written story of growth and love and heart. BUT, you will miss out on the Lost Kings family growth and this family is part of who they are. It is their blood. It is their life. They are one. So my advice still stand, start at the beginning, you won’t regret it. #TRUST
After Burn , Lost Kings MC Book 10
I must admit that I love this series & nicely stalk Autumn for the next book in this series. I love how Autumn has woven an MC club into a forever family. Every new book just reenforces my choice to take a gamble on an unknown to me author. Best choice EVER! Do yourself a favor and buy the entire series. You will never regret it. Rock, Hope, Wrath, Trinity, Zero, Teller, Murphy, Heidi, and a teeny tiny princess plus the rest of the club will light up your world. Now I just have to survive 45 more days till the next book After Glow...
Well worth the wait
I couldn’t resist the temptation to stay up and read it after I got the download at midnight and do not regret a minute of lost sleep. The book did an awesome job progressing Hope and Rock’s story as well as the LOKI’s and even included other chapters/clubs and some backstory as well. Hope and Rock continue to be my favorite characters of all time (and I’ve been reading for decades and read multiple books weekly - so yeah - that’s a LOT of H/h’s for comparison). I understand why it’s two books, but after the build-up and wait for this one, I have to admit I’m sincerely disappointed to have to wait for part two, even though it will be here next month. Yes, there’s a cliff hanger, but I knew that going into the book (thanks to the author’s newsletter) and it makes it so much more bearable than just suddenly reaching the end of a book with no real resolution. This clifffhanger is stressful, but seeing how the characters are dealing with it gives me confidence that all will be well in After Glow. Once again Ms. Lake delivers a well crafted, well written, engaging book that brings you fully into her world and makes you feel like the characters are your family and friends.
More Rock & Hope? Yes Please!
I have been counting down the weeks for this book to release and it did not disappoint! I love this couple so much! It's so enjoyable to be immersed in this world again and as always I thoroughly enjoyed both the sexy flirty conversations between Rock & Hope and the dirty funny banter between the guys as a group and with their old ladies around. I also enjoyed the chats between the girls on their own. These books are always FILLED with dialogue which is one of the major reasons I love them so much. I loved catching up with all the characters through Rock and Hope - it's like catching up with people I feel like I know haha. And I always enjoy reading from Rock's perspective weather it be about Hope, his brothers and their relationship or club business. It's like we get a little more of a glimpse inside his head each time and the inner workings of an MC. I felt like this book was really building up to some big things which will I assume will come out in After Glow and I'm so glad we don't have to wait long for it to be released. The author really need not worry about this story becoming 2 books (or even 3!!) as her stories are so fantastic the more the better! This book has made me more excited to read future books about Z (as with every book!!), Swan, Dex, Teller & Charlotte and Carter and also more about the club and their day to day dealings. This continues to be the most enthralling, sexy, funny and enjoyable series I have ever read, they are my favourite books to read by far. I genuinely hope I am reading about the Lost Kings for many years to come.
Comments
Post a Comment